NUNEATON'S George Eliot Hospital has closed a third ward in the wake of the norovirus outbreak sweeping the country.

Adam Bede ward is the latest to be shut to new admissions "on a precautionary basis," according to a hospital spokeswoman.

Earlier this week, Bob Jakin and Dolly Winthrop wards were closed. Dolly Winthrop ward reopened after a thorough cleaning but, less than 24 hours later, it was closed again.

The hospital spokeswoman said: "Dolly Winthrop ward had reopened after being deep-cleaned but had to be closed after four new patients, who had been admitted to the ward after it was cleaned, showed symptoms of norovirus.

"In total, nine patients across the three wards are displaying symptoms typical of the common vomiting and diarrhoea bug."

No staff have been diagnosed with norovirus.

Restricted visiting hours are being kept in place at George Eliot Hospital to minimise the risk of the spread of norovirus, which is acquired in the community.

Visitors are allowed only between 7pm and 8pm, with no more than two visitors per bed. Children are allowed to visit only in "exceptional circumstances".

The norovirus outbreak has forced about 100 wards to close to new patients in 44 hospitals across the UK, according to the NHS.

Doctors estimate that more than 100,000 people a week are catching the illness.